Twitter RSS Feed Shop Contact Facebook Pinterest Designer Image Map
Search
Categories
Archives
Keywords
March 5, 2013
Ethics are not over-rated

image by Shahir Zag found on cubicle refugee

In today’s day and age where we are bombarded with information, links, blogs, and websites such as Pinterest, it’s easy for many to be inspired by others. Some do it extremely well, meaning they see something they are moved by and create something very unique and truly their own. And the only reason you know they were inspired by something is because they post about it on their blogs or other forums. Others emulate things so much it crosses the line.

It’s unfortunate but I’ve come across this various times. I’ve seen others launch designs that I feel are too similar to mine; down to specific combinations that I’ve used. I’ve also seen the work of others be copied. Styles, color palettes, packaging, even branding elements; you name it.  We’ve all had clients that come to us saying they really like something, include a link and ask if we can do something similar. My answer has always been that I can give them my interpretation of a new design based on their link as inspiration. Some clients get it and move forward with your ideas. Others ask for changes to make it more similar to their original request. In that case, I suggest they go to the original designer and ask them to help with the project. I won’t do something someone else worked hard to create. Go to the original creator, they know their own work better than anyone else.

It’s easy to spot when someone has copied your work, especially when you’re in the same industry. It’s important to know what the trends are, but in my opinion it’s more important to be yourself, have your own voice as a designer, and be original. We all work hard to get to where we are so to see someone who is trying to “keep up with the Jones’” by copying others is upsetting. At the end of the day, not only will copying others work hurt your reputation but it will also hurt you as a designer. Isn’t it part of our job, designer or not, to continue to grow and evolve within our fields?

Would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. Have you come across this type of situation? How did you handle it?  

Comments (5)
Great post Claudia! I think designers know how much work goes into creating their ideas and respect other's work. I'm seeing more non-designers copying designs.

Posted by Tamera Lawrence
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 12:28 am
I admire your honesty (and bravery!) in approaching this topic. Thanks for keeping it real. :)
Posted by Lisa
Monday, March 11, 2013 at 08:58 pm
Love your honesty! I`ve actually been accused of copying the designers that copied my work! First I did`nt know what to do, but I just have to keep moving and make new work and don`t let it get me down.
Posted by Cecilie
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Excellent post, Claudia. Every creative person should read this. This same problem exists in the food blogging world as well. There are "blogs" that scrape both photographs and recipes straight off of other blogger's websites without asking permission. I also once came across a blog that had copied another *very* popular blog's design almost to the last detail. Even the writing and photography styles were close to identical. It was so disappointing to see admiration cross the line in this manner. So glad you shared your thoughts on this issue.
Posted by Flavia
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 08:00 am
Yes! We've had that happen to us also. As much as it's nice to say "imitation is flattery", it's called stealing. You have incredible work and people should learn to be their own creatives. We try to make sure every website and every brand we design are completely different than the last. Keep rockin' it, lady.
Posted by Melanie Spring
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 07:51 am
Add a comment
February 14, 2013
Chromatic Paper Goods

Happy Valentine's Day! Seeing as it's a day full of extra love and so many sweet couples get engaged this time of year, we thought it was only fitting to share one of our latest projects.

We're so thrilled for the launch of Chromatic & Co.  launched by Erika Firm of Delphine. It's an honor to be a part of a collaboration with such amazing designers like 42 Pressed and The Peach Press who share our passion for color, type, and design.

Chromatic is a stationery and paper partry goods website where you can customize all your stationery needs. Want wedding invitations? How about pretty coasters and custom paper napkins? For all our fellow organizing lovers, how about a custom binder to hold all your ideas? Note pads? Calling cards? You name it, Chromatic has you covered! 

Chromatic images courtesy of Chromatic & Co. Both images showcasing Fig. 2 for Chromatic. 

brass heart studs, rachel pfeffer / lace dress, dress safari / wedding venue, style me pretty / brownie heart cupcakes, martha stewart

Comments (0)

No comments posted

Add a comment
January 21, 2013
Chesapeake Bridal Awards

 

This was one of the most unexpected emails to wake up to this morning! I'm so honored to be selected as a Top Ten vendor in the Invitations category and a finalist in the Chesapeake Bridal Awards, thanks to nominations from local brides, wedding professionals, friends and family memebers. There are some great stationers in the DC area so to be among them is a real treat. 

Starting today, you can vote on Bayside Bride and Charm City Wed's Facebook Pages. Each of you can submit two ballots, one per Facebook page and I'd be thrilled if you could take a minute and vote for Fig. 2! Oh, and nice little plug here for all non-brides... anyone can vote! If my parents had Facebook accounts I would ask them to, but they're not quite there yet ;)

Even if Fig. 2 doesn't win, it's an honor to be in good company and I owe much of this to the wonderful wedding community and to all my brides who have nominated Fig. 2. Thank you! 

Voting ends on Wednesday, January 30th. 

Comments (1)
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about creating my own but
I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Cheers
Posted by Albertina
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 09:59 am
Add a comment
« Older Posts
Subscribe to RSS